Driving ban lifted in Western Mass.

PITTSFIELD - Motorists are encouraged to "use common sense and be safe" as the state-wide driving ban has been lifted for the Berkshires.

At about 1 p.m., Gov. Deval Patrick stated the ban, which went into effect Friday at 4 p.m., was lifted for Nantucket County and all the communities west of 1-91 as weather conditions calmed following the blizzard that left some areas in the Berkshires with about two feet of snow.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier had asked Patrick to lift the ban in Berkshire County earlier today after the snowfall ended and highway crews worked around the clock to clear roads and make it safe for drivers.

"It's practically blue skies here and a lot of local businesses are anxious to open it," she told the Eagle. "Especially our ski areas, which haven't had a lot of snow this season."

Drivers are asked to stay off the roads unless necessary so that plow truck drivers, utility personnel and emergency crews can get to where they need to.

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